Vol 2: Chapter 15

The Holy King was continuing the conversation at his own pace, but the other three children were yet to introduce themselves.

The young lady seemed to be a little worried about that, but since the Holy King addressed her, she had no choice but to answer.

「I will be talking to my father to decide on that after today’s banquet, Your Majesty.」

「I see. Then how about Kluvshrat?」

「Goho!?」Prince Kluvshrat choked on his aperitif.

Of course he’ll be surprised if his engagement was brought up as easily as asking about the weather.

I told the young lady not to give flirtatious glances, but she captured the hearts of Louis and Prince Kluvshrat in this short period of time. Though I’m sure the young lady didn’t intend for it.

「Father– Your Majesty! What are you saying!?」

「Didn’t I tell you in advance that this is also the place to decide your consort?」

The second Holy Prince’s consort.

Ladies, who were supposed to be sitting at a distant table, reacted simultaneously. Everyone seemed to have been listening in. The other tables went silent.

「Y-Your Majesty also told me that that is something I should think on my own.」

「Looking at you stuttering, who knows how long that’s going to take.」

「Still, this is too hasty!」

「What? You’re dissatisfied with Victor’s daughter?」

「T-T-T-That’s not what I am saying..」

While the father and son were going back and forth, Louis looked at me, grinding his teeth.

–Hey escort. Your Lord is in danger. Eliminate it.

One can say more with a look than with 10 000 words, huh.

I see.. Even a duke’s house cannot interfere if the young lady becomes a fiancée of the Holy Prince.

Louis’ feelings were clearly transmitted to me.

And I turned away and ignored it.

「Bastard, are you ignoring–」

「Kluvshrat-sama! My name is Charlotte, of House Marquis Phrase! I am meeting you for the first time!」Lady Charlotte quickly introduced herself without a moment’s delay.

「I feel sorry for the child, seeing the father being so nosy..」

The grey bear spoke!!! Oh, it didn’t. It was the Border Earl.

「Ah? Are you talking about me, Border Earl?」

「If you have self-awareness, why don’t you be quiet, Mr. Escort?」

「Even when I called you, you didn’t come to the holy city without giving any reason, but then you sneaked into this place, wearing that out-of-place bear pelt, for your daughter. Which one of us is the nosy parent now?」

「The children are the main characters. Who was it that said that?」

「Ah!? You wanna go at it?」

「Oh? I’m all for it, Your Majesty. It’s gonna get bloody.」

The gorilla and bear faced each other with their arms folded at a distance of half a step.

On one hand, the Holy King who is leaking mana, and on the other hand, it is the gray bear of a Border Earl. Is a Vale Tudo going to start? ..No, well, I don’t really know the personalities of these two, so I’m quite confused. But Prince Kluvshrat had gone prone while covering his head, and Lady Mira, the daughter of the Border Earl, had also gone prone while covering her head. Whereas Lady Charlotte, who was completely ignored, was in tears.

But I was relieved when I saw Lord Ethan staring in blank puzzlement. That’s right. That’s how a normal reaction is supposed to be. However, Louis was watching with gleaming eyes, as if thinking, “They’re going to fight? For real? Awesome.”

The curtain raised on the banquet with an upheaval.

「—I see. So, House Sillys does not own a territory?」

「Yes, that’s right. My father always says, “Holding a territory entails a lot of responsibility, and it takes a lot of time to fulfill it.” House Sillys has been working to serve the entire country from the Holy City since long ago.」

「I think that is an admirable moto.」

「No.. I think it is also important to produce local specialty products for the prosperity of the country, like how Ethan-sama’s House Ebene has been doing.」

「We still have a long way–」

「I heard that the development of a new perfume was successful last year. That is wonderful to hear.」

「I am flattered. You are very knowledgeable, Lady Eva.」

Lord Ethan and the young lady were having a friendly conversation. I’m so glad that you paid attention in the tutor classes, my lady. I somewhat felt like a proud parent.

Prince Kluvshrat and Lady Mira were too anxious to speak anything because their escorts were staring down each other with veins popping on their head. And Lady Charlotte, who failed to make her introduction earlier, was stress eating the dishes which were carried in.

I’m not sure if Louis is thinking of speaking to the young lady, or whether he is worried about the “engagement” brought up by the Holy King, or if he simply can’t keep up with the conversation between the young lady and Lord Ethan, but he was just silently eating his food. He stole quick glances at the young lady’s face while chewing, and heaved a sigh. Oh man, he has completely fallen for her.

「Since we are all the same age, let’s become friends.」Lord Ethan said to all.

He probably said that because the other members at the table were feeling uneasy. This kid is a bit too admirable for his age. Are all halflings good people?

「I think it’s a great proposal!」Lady Charlotte cut in.

「What shall we do to cement our friendship, Ethan?」Louis finally spoke up.

Judging from the way Louis addressed Lord Ethan, it seems that both of them were already quite close with each other.

「For example, I usually stay in my House’s territory for a long time, so I’d be happy if we could all gather whenever I come to the Holy City.」

「You’re just doing it for yourself?」

「It’s fine, isn’t it? I am usually free while in the holy city, after all. And you are the only one I can meet when I come here, Louis.」

「Am I not enough?」

「Will you come play together with me every day?」

「Gah, absolutely no.」

「My-oh-my, you two are so close with each other!」Lady Charlotte cut into their conversation.

It does seem as if they are on good terms, but it doesn’t seem like they can get along.

「By the way, Kluvshrat-sama will also be in the circle of friendship, right?」

Lady Charlotte’s main issue, or rather her concerns, seems to be that. Prince Kluvshrat, who was put on the spot, looked back in a hurry and tried to confirm his father’s expression. The Holy King nodded, with a grin.

「I- I would love to participate!」

The enthusiastic Prince Kluvshrat seemed cute. How did such a kind-looking child come from a gorilla-like Holy King?

Prince Kluvshrat then tried to check everyone’s reaction. And his line of sight stopped on Lady Eva.

「Is it okay for me to join as well?」the young lady asked, with her head tilted.

「Isn’t it better for House Sillys to refrain?」

When Lady Charlotte said that, as if taking a bite at the young lady, Prince Kluvshrat panicked.

「W-Why do you wish to leave Miss Eva out of the circle, Miss Charlotte?」

「Prince Kluvshrat. I am afraid I can’t say it. Only thing I can say is “House Sillys brings friction to the noble society”.」

Lady Charlotte then smiled meaningfully.